What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circled
Example
The children circled around the teacher to listen to the story. [circled: past tense]
Example
The plane circled above the airport before landing. [circled: verb]
surrounded
Example
The house was surrounded by tall trees, providing privacy and shade. [surrounded: past tense]
Example
She felt surrounded by love and support from her family and friends. [surrounded: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surrounded is more commonly used than circled in everyday language. Surrounded is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while circled is less common and often used in specific situations that involve circular or curved paths.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between circled and surrounded?
While circled is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, surrounded is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.